Dec. 20, 2012

APPLETON — Due to worsening road conditions, Valley Transit will shut down operations early Thursday.

Final departures will follow this schedule:

4:50 p.m. Routes 8 & 16

5:20 p.m. Route 31

5:50 p.m. Routes 2, 4, 6, 12, 20, 30 & 32

6:20 p.m. Routes 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 19 & 41

Passengers can call the recorded service update line regarding bus service for tomorrow morning at 832-1629.

Outagamie County Regional Airport: 'We haven't closed in 20 years'

The Outagamie County Regional Airport hasn't shut down runways in 20 years, and it doesn't intend to start today.

Airport marketing manager Kim Sippola said crews have been plowing since 3 a.m. to keep runways clean and clear.

“We haven’t closed in 20 years,” Sippola said. “If a plane needed to land right now they could— the visibility would be the only limiting factor.”

Sippola said four inbound and three outbound morning flights were canceled last night due to forecasts.

The next plane due into the airport is an Allegiant arrival from Phoenix at 12:38 p.m..

“Assuming the snow stops around 5 p.m. we’ll be open for business as usual,” Sippola said, noting there were not people waiting in the terminal due to unexpected delays.

Blizzard conditions this afternoon

This morning’s slow commute will be the easier half of travels today as winds begin to increase.

The National Weather Service updated its weather statement about 7 a.m.

Those traveling this afternoon can expect “blizzard conditions with near zero visibilities at times over the Fox Valley and lakeshore areas this afternoon and evening.” Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are possible later today. Heavy snow and strong winds could cause tree damage and may result in power outages, the Weather Service reports. Those in central and east central Wisconsin aren’t likely to have significant improvement in travel conditions until Friday.

Police have hands full with traffic mishaps

Today’s winter storm was off to a mild start, but already police have their hands full with traffic mishaps.

Between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., authorities in Outagamie and Calumet counties were dispatched to 26 crash reports. Those were among an overall 60 calls for service in that time.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation warns of hazardous driving conditions throughout Wisconsin today and is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Winds will gradually increase today, creating whiteout conditions that could make travel dangerous and potentially impossible, the National Weather Service reports.

Those who have to travel should plan additional time.

The Weather Service recommends an emergency kit that would minimally include a flashlight, food and water.